Technology Applications and Implications

The Technology Applications and Implications (Tech) Stream is designed to blend a traditional policy analysis training with hands-on technology experimentation. This stream seeks to train, and in fact redefine, next-generation policy analysis and action, driven by big data and an increasingly digital world. The Tech Stream combines the same core course requirements as the other two streams while adding new elements and changing the nature of the dissertation. The Tech Stream also embraces the cross-cutting themes of ethics, communication, social justice and racial equity, and encourages students to address or include aspects of one or more themes in their work.

Tech Stream students focus on engaging with complex problems, understanding current and emerging technology, and working in a culture of curiosity and experimentation. This stream complements and interacts with the other streams in a variety of ways and mechanisms including workshops, competitions, hackathons, research projects, courses, and on-the-job training (OJT).

As part of the RAND Corporation, we have access to colleagues and mentors with a unique combination of deep policy expertise and capabilities across myriad disciplines. Tech Stream students benefit from RAND's strong focus on emerging technologies through a policy lens and the flexibility of Pardee RAND's program. Graduates leave the program with a combination of depth and breadth that positions them for success in a wide variety of fields and situations.